Shreveport’s Pharma Scene Takes a Hit

Categories: Business NewsManufacturingNewsPharmaceutical

The Dr. Reddy's Laboratories facility in Shreveport is now listed for sale, providing new opportunities for businesses.

News Summary

Shreveport bids farewell to Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories as the company closes its local facility, impacting 107 employees. This 56-acre site is now up for sale, presenting opportunities for new businesses in the area.

Shreveport’s Pharma Scene Takes a Hit

The city of Shreveport is facing a bittersweet moment as it bids farewell to Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, a well-known pharmaceutical manufacturer based out of India. In a recent announcement, the company disclosed that it will officially close its local facility—a move that has raised eyebrows and concerns throughout the community. The closure was first reported in a filing made with the SEC on January 7, 2024, and the closure will take effect in a matter of months.

A Quick History

Dr. Reddy’s acquired the Shreveport facility back in 2008, after purchasing it from previous owner BASF. The facility has operated as a key player in the local pharmaceutical landscape for over a decade. However, the company has deemed the site as non-strategic and lacking a promising pipeline of future products, leading to the difficult decision to shut it down.

Impact on Workers

With the facility’s imminent closure, about 107 employees have been notified that their separations are expected to take place over a two-week period starting March 14, 2025. Many of these dedicated workers have spent a great deal of time at Dr. Reddy’s, with some even boasting over 40 years of service. Little surprise, then, that murmurs about the impending closure had been circulating among employees since late 2024.

Opportunity Knocks

Despite the somber news, the future of the facility may hold a silver lining. The property is now up for sale, with an asking price of $18 million. This 56-acre site, which boasts multiple buildings totaling a stunning 308,000 square feet, is being listed by realtor Chris Stokes from Walker Alley & Associates. Offers for the facility include not just the space but also all the equipment and fixtures still in place, presenting a turnkey solution for potential buyers.

The Facility’s Features

This site has some incredible features as well. It comes equipped with 24-hour security and is climate-controlled, making it ideally suited for a variety of manufacturing operations. Notably, the property holds between 80 to 90 FDA licenses for the manufacture of different drugs, which offers a significant advantage to interested buyers. Additionally, the equipment on site includes essential industrial pharmaceutical tools like pill sorters and specialized stamping machines, all set for operation.

What’s Next for the Property?

Stokes has noted that there has been significant interest from both pharmaceutical manufacturers and businesses seeking to pivot into other industries, such as THC product manufacturing. This indicates that while the closure of Dr. Reddy’s is unfortunate, the property still holds promise, and there may be new opportunities at its doorstep.

Looking Forward

Local economic officials, as well as influential representatives, including Senator Bill Cassidy and House Speaker Mike Johnson, have been briefed about the situation with the facility. They are exploring options to attract new businesses to fill the void left by Dr. Reddy’s departure. With the right vision, this property may continue to play a vital role in Shreveport’s economic landscape.

In Conclusion

While it’s undoubtedly a tough moment for employees and the local community, the closing of the Dr. Reddy’s facility opens up a chapter for new beginnings. From a bustling pharmaceutical hub to potential new ventures, Shreveport’s story is far from over.